Fighters who retired after a valiant performance in their last fight?

Patterson after Ali 2

 

Barney Ross against Hammerin Hank

 

Carlos Monzon defeated Rodrigo Valdes on July 30 1977 in Monte Carlo, Monaco, by unanimous decision to retain his World Middleweight title for the 14th time, after suffering a knockdown in round 2. Monzon then retired with his title, after a 7 year reign as champion.

 

I'd have to add Wladimir Klitschko retiring after his loss to Anthony Joshua as well. It especially hits home because Wlad had a reputation as being a boring, robotic fighter with no heart, so for him to exit the sport on arguably the Fight of the Decade adds to it

 

Tim Bradley

 

Saoul Mamby ....he was in his 60s

 

Mike McCallum